With all necessary building permits approved, the future new Clearwater-Clear Lake Food Shelf building was celebrated with a groundbreaking event held at the new location last week.
The new property is across the road from where the food shelf currently operates, the Lions Community Building in Lions Park. The land was purchased from Rejoice Lutheran Church.
Funding for the property and new, larger building has been raised through fundraisers, donations, and grants, including $100,000 in grant money from the Lions Club International Foundation and a donation of $37,000 from the Clearwater Lions, $12,000 of which was a gift from the late Robert Watson.
Present at the groundbreaking were a representative of people and organizations who have worked countless hours to help make the new Clearwater-Clear Lake Food Shelf building a reality, including Food Shelf Director Susan Brown, Food Shelf President and Clearwater Lions member Mary Abraham, Clearwater Lions members Ken Abraham and Mike Jacobs, Clear Lake Lions member and food shelf board member Scott Ziehl, Lions District 5m7 and Lions Club International Foundation contact Judy Herrala, previous District 5m7 Director Peter Lendway, Rejoice Lutheran Church Council President Paul Amundson, and contractor Jesse Babler from B&B Built.
The new building is partly in response to the large increase of those in need due to rising food costs. Once completed, the building will allow the food shelf to extend its services in a safer environment. It will also be handicap accessible and offer public restrooms.
There are still funds needed for the project. The next fundraiser is planned for October 12 and will include a dinner and silent auction. The new food shelf building has an estimated cost of $450,000.
For anyone in need, the Clearwater-Clear Lake Food Shelf is currently located in the Lions Community Building under the Clearwater water tower at 1100 Co. Rd. 75. Hours of operation are Mondays 5:30 to 7 p.m., Tuesdays 9 to 11 a.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., and Wednesdays 3 to 5 p.m.
